Dean Smith Center

Capacity: 21,750

Home Teams: North Carolina Tar Heels (NCAA College Basketball)

Dean Smith Center Events

The Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center (known locally as the Dean Smith Center or Smith Center) is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the small town of Chapel Hill. While over a third of Chapel Hill’s population could fit into the Dean Smith Center, this does nothing to stop the arena from filling up on game nights whenever the high-flying North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team is in town. The Tar Heels, who compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), are one of the most successful and storied teams in all of American college basketball, ranking third in all-time wins (2294) and second in all-time winning percentage (.735). The team has qualified for the NCAA postseason March Madness tournament 51 times, winning a record 131 games (tied with the Kentucky Wildcats for first), appearing in the Final Four a record 21 times, and reaching the final championship game on 12 of those occasions. The Tar Heels have split these championship games evenly thus far, losing 6 (most recently in 2022) and winning 6 (most recently in 2017) for six NCAA championships in total (the team is third overall in championships behind the UCLA Bruins and Kentucky Wildcats). But beyond all the records and stats, the North Carolina Tar Heels are probably most famous for some of the incredible players that they have produced who have gone on to stardom in the NBA. Head and shoulders above all others is of course the great Michael Jordan, who allegedly arrived in Chapel Hill as a rather raw and unpolished guard. Coached by the legendary Dean Smith, for whom the arena, constructed in 1986, is now named, Jordan went on in 1982 to score a last minute game-winning shot (as would later become his trademark in the NBA) to help the Tar Heels defeat the Georgetown Hoyas 63-62 and win their second-ever national NCAA championship. Tar Heels alums James Worthy and Vince Carter, a pair of walking NBA highlight reels themselves, would no doubt have both had claims as the greatest ever player to come out of UNC had it not been for the greatness of his Airness. As well as Tar Heels home games, the Dean Smith Center has also previously hosted an NBA preseason exhibition game along with high school sporting events and graduations. Barack Obama spoke to a large crowd in the arena in 2008 during his first campaign for president, while wearing a blue Tar Heels tie. Concerts featuring major artists were held in the Dean Smith Center frequently for many years, but these dwindled and then stopped due to insufficient infrastructure for performers, with the final concert (Boyz II Men) taking place in 2008. Despite being home to such a big team as the Tar Heels, the Dean Smith Centerhas been criticized at times for lacking in atmosphere. This has been blamed on the so-called “cheese and wine” crowd of older alumni fans who tend to have tickets in the lower levels of the stadium (and sometimes don’t turn up at all), with the more boisterous student element being relegated to the more distant seats in the upper tiers. Attempts have been made to change this by placing student seating in behind one of the baskets, which has met with some success. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels still enjoy a considerable advantage at the Smith Center, posting just one losing season there in all their years at the arena. Hungry visitors at the Dean Smith Center will find no shortage of delicious savory offerings at the concessions, with everything from bacon cheeseburgers to Philly cheesesteaks to BBQ sandwiches, along with plenty of cold beer and wine (as of 2019!). Those looking for Tar Heels or event merchandise will find lots at the shops and kiosks at Dean Smith Center or around campus.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to games and events at Dean Smith Center?

Tar Heels basketball games held at Dean Smith Center throughout much of the school year are the major community events in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels long-standing success and nationwide fame are huge points of local and even state pride, making their home games a massive draw and rendering tickets difficult to get, particularly for key conference deciders, rivalry matchups, and championship games. To get your hands on the cheapest tickets to North Carolina Tar Heels home games or other events at Dean Smith Center, check the TicketX listings on this page, using our handy TicketX seating chart to compare seating options in terms of price and location. With just a single click, you can purchase tickets from TicketX with the lowest commission fees!

Dean Smith Center Seating Chart

Dean Smith Center is a large venue that offers many different seating options to visitors. Those looking to spend game day in the comfort of five-star services and amenities can opt for the stadium’s luxury boxes or avail themselves of VIP offers. General admission seating is available throughout the rest of the arena at tiered prices (with generally higher prices in the lower bowl). Sitting up in the cheap seats with the students is also a fun way to hang out with some of the most passionate Tar Heels fans. 

Getting to Dean Smith Center (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Dean Smith Center via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Dean Smith Center via public transportation

While Lawrence does have local city buses that stop quite close to Dean Smith Center, catching one of the game day shuttles might be a better choice if you are planning to head to a Tar Heels game. Walking to the venue could also be possible if you are located near the university, as Lawrence is not a very big place.

Getting to Dean Smith Center by car

Driving to Dean Smith Center in your own vehicle is quite straightforward as long as you plan your route in advance and budget plenty of time to get through the game day traffic. Check out the official UNC website for full driving directions and maps.

Does Dean Smith Center have on-site parking?

Yes, there is a great deal of public parking around the Dean Smith Center in several large garages and lots. Visit the official UNC website for full parking details and maps. You can also book a pre-paid parking spot in advance via the ParkMobile app.

How much does Dean Smith Center parking cost?

Parking at Dean Smith Center during Tar Heels game costs $23.40 for pre-paid parking on the Cardinal deck and $20 in most other lots and garages. The official UNC website has more information on parking and parking prices. You can also use the ParkMobile app to book a parking spot in advance.